Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie makes huge Premier Soccer League VAR promise - 'I am going to bring it in April'

Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has assured that the government will allocate funds to assist the South African Football Association (Safa) with the implementation of VAR in the PSL. 

Referees made questionable judgments in the PSL and the outspoken member of the South African parliament is one of those calling for the introduction of the technology tool in local football.

McKenzie has affirmed that his department has been working hard on raising funds for the implementation of VAR and revealed when it is likely to be introduced.

"VAR must come, I have made a promise. So just to show the listeners that it was not just talks. I have met the whole board of Safa regarding VAR," McKenzie said on Marawa Sports Worldwide. 

"I had a full presentation to understand this thing that I have promised. What is it that I have promised? I have the costs of Safa, and I have the independent costs that the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has done. 

"I am going to bring VAR in April this year and give money (for the VAR) because you can't say we can't afford it. In April I'm going to make the money available. There is no one who will stop me in making sure it gets implemented," he added. 

"We can't have the third division of soccer having VAR in other countries but our Premier League does not have VAR. VAR makes players better players and more honest." 

McKenzie has been vocal regarding his dedication to making VAR a reality in South African football since he assumed the sports ministerial position in June last year.

His commitment developed following the controversies that have unfolded in the local top division, particularly after a match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in September 2024.

Furthermore, in several other matches, numerous dubious decisions made by match officials led to widespread demands to introduce the technology tool. 

The minister previously estimated that VAR would require a one-time payment between R70 million and R80 million, along with R70,000 per game, and he promised that the government would assist.

McKenzie will need to accomplish a great deal of work moving forward to ensure that his promise becomes reality in April.

It will be interesting to see whether VAR will eventually be implemented in the PSL as it would help reduce officiating errors.